Elise Christie disqualified from second Sochi event as she reveals online bullying trauma

Elise Christie has been disqualified for the second time this week (Picture: AP)

Elise Christie has been disqualified from her second Winter Olympic event in Sochi and admits she has been subjected to threats and online abuse following her first speed skating disappointment.

The Scot, who was denied a silver medal in the 500m final earlier in the week after being adjudged to have been at fault for a first-lap crash, has now been kicked out of the 1500m heats, despite appearing to easily qualify.

Christie finished first in today’s short-track heat, but in trying to catch leader Arianna Fontana on the line she veered so far inside the markers she was deemed not to have finished the race, and so officials relegated her to fourth and last place.

‘I was heading out to watch my team-mate race, then I saw I had got a penalty. I had no physical contact with anyone, so I have no idea what I was penalised for,’ she said.

‘I was playing safe after the 500m final, by trying not to be near anyone. I am gobsmacked – I expected the decision the other day, but not now. I have found it hard, but it is not always about medals. I have to keep pushing through.